Musa: Eagles Will Win Trophies Under ‘Simple Guy’ Oliseh

Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa is confident over Nigeria’s chances in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers while admitting that picking the group ticket ahead of Egypt will be daunting but not insurmountable. He speaks on his new role as well as relationship with Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh in this interview with the NFF youtube channel. Presented by DAVID MESHIOYE

As Super Eagles skipper, what are your visions and plans for the national team?
Well my vision in the Eagles is to win more trophies. It’s been three years since we won the Africa Cup of Nations. What is important now is to ensure Nigeria qualify for the next AFCON.

How has it been working with coach Sunday Oliseh?
For me, I think it’s a great moment and I am happy to be working with a simple guy. You always want to meet him when you don’t understand what he is saying, all for further explanation. I think the sky is our limit with the way the team is going.

Would you say Nigerians are overbearing in terms of their expectations?
Yes, we know our country and we know what their expectations are and we are working hard to meet up to those expectations. But as you know in football, you don’t get it right all the time; sometimes it goes well and it can be the other way round. Nigeria should please understand these facts that we are still building a new team. With a few more games for the team we will get there. As you can see, the team is made up of new players and it will take time for us all to understand one another.

Going down memory lane, the Musa vs Messi things can’t be forgotten easily. How will you describe that game? What did that game mean to you?
Before the Argentina game, my teammates walked up to me and said 'Musa we dreamt that you scored today' and I said by the special grace of God anything can happen. The game started and we were one goal down and I got the equalizer. Argentina went up again and I got us level, but we eventually lost the game. But I was happy at the end of the game because it is not easy scoring against the best team and Messi.

Would you say you have been very lucky with your career so far?
I have the gift from God and I will always do my magic.

You must be in high heavens to have scored goals that gave CSKA a smooth run in the UEFA Champions League this season?
I have always been lucky winning difficult games. I think the Champions League is one of the best football tournaments after the World Cup, every player wants to play in it. I feel so elated and fulfilled that CSKA is doing well in the UEFA Champions League.

How difficult has it been switching positions at club and national team?
I am a striker but I play as point man in my club. As you can see there are lots of strikers in the national team so I have to return to the wing. I feel comfortable.
I thank God for all I have achieved today. I thought it was a dream but I am happy today it is no longer a dream